K.M. Alexander's Blog, page 72
February 27, 2015
Friday Link Pack 02/27/2015
It’s Friday! That means it’s time to share a few links I’ve found over the last few days. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! Have a link I should feature in the upcoming link pack? Click here to email me and let me know! (Include a website so I can link to you as well.) Away we gooooo…
Writing:
Publishers Bypass Literary Agents To Discover Bestseller Talent
With the market currently in flux this isn’t really all that surprising. Just make sure to get a good contract lawyer.
10 Famous Writers’ Houses Worth Visiting
Planning a trip? Mental Floss assembles a top ten list of former abodes of classic authors, from Hemingway’s, to Dickenson’s, to Twain’s. Is it just me or did all these folks have huge houses?
Best-Sellers Initially Rejected
Rejection is apart of every writer’s life, and I mean every writer. Check out this list of enormous hits that were rejected by publishers.
Upcoming Appearances
This week I launched a new section on the site. Interested in meeting me? Want to pick up a signed copy from me directly? Under the “Appearances” tab you’ll find a handy list of the future conventions, readings, and appearances that I’ll be making.
Art:
Mir
This Norwegian firm specializes in the portrayal of “unbuilt architecture” through a technique they call “natural visualisation.” Simply stunning.
Random:
Five Things I Didn’t Get About Making Video Games (Until I Did It)
Before he got into the industry, Anthony Burch was a reviewer of video games. In this article he explains the separation that exists between reviews and actually development. While this piece focuses on games, this article could be written for any creative endeavor. As consumers it’s easy to forget how much time, blood, sweat, and tears go into something creative from games to art to books to music. It’s hard work, even if you hate it.
Why I’m Volunteering to Die on Mars
Fascinating piece from Sonia Van Meter, one of the Mars One 100, about leaving earth and going to live on Mars… permanently.
Yoga Fhtagn
So you’re a newly minted health goth looking for a fresh Lovecraftian take on yoga? Well, look no further, YouTuber Laurie Penny has you covered.
Earth’s Other ‘Moon’ And Its Crazy Orbit
Did you know Earth had another smaller (and drunker) moon? Well it does!
Random Wikipedia Article of the Week:
Wherein I got to Wikipedia and hit Random Article until I find something good/weird/offensive/hilarious/interesting/etc. This weeks entry:
Aerocar
Aerocar International’s Aerocar (often called the Taylor Aerocar) was an American roadable aircraft, designed and built by Moulton Taylor in Longview, Washington, in 1949. Although six examples were built, the Aerocar never entered production.
Lovecraft Story of the Week:
The Disinterment
Things aren’t always what they seem…
Gif of the Week:
Filed under: Link Pack Tagged: aerocar, agents, architecture, famous authors, lovecraft, Mars, Moon, publishing, rejection, yoga
February 26, 2015
The Stars Were Right 99¢ eBook Sale Ends Saturday
We’re into the final hours… ebook copies of The Stars Were Right returns to their regular price of $2.99 on March 1st. That’s less than three days away! So if you want to get a jump on The Bell Forging Cycle and save a little money, now is the perfect time. Links to purchase below:
Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • GooglePlay • DRM Free ePub
Once again, huge thanks to everyone who has bought my books this month. February’s sales have been incredible, the best ever. It’s always encouraging to hear how so many of you are excited for Red Litten World and the following books in the series. I can’t wait to share them with everyone.
Filed under: Shop, The Stars Were Right Tagged: 99¢, bell forging cycle, eBook, sale
February 24, 2015
Become Great
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
Found this quote as encouragement for a friend of mine and I figured I’d share it here with everyone. Stay away from the small people, their opinions are useless to your journey. Twain, as usual, is right. As I wrote to my friend: keep your head down, lock those shoulders forward, press through. You got this.
Filed under: Quotes Tagged: ambition, hard work, Mark Twain, perseverance
February 22, 2015
Upcoming Appearances
Just a quick update to announce that I launched a new section here on the blog. Behold! The new Appearances tab. This year I am really upping my sci-fi/fantasy convention attendance. I had a blast at SpoCon 2014 and I look forward to hanging out with readers at future conventions. I figured it’d be good to create a space where I list out where I am going and when. That way you can see if I’m coming to a con near you. Click here to check it out now or navigate to it from the main menu. I’ll see you at the cons!
Have a local sci-fi/fantasy convention near you that you think I should attend? Shoot me an email and let me know about it. I’d love to see if I can’t make it work.
Filed under: Con Reports, News Tagged: appearances, Conventions, cthulhucon pdx, lilac city comicon, norwescon, oregon, portland, Seattle, SpoCon, Spokane, Washington
February 20, 2015
Friday Link Pack 02/20/2015
It’s Friday! That means it’s time to share a few links I’ve found over the last few days. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! Have a link I should feature in the upcoming link pack? Click here to email me and let me know! (Include a website so I can link to you as well.) Away we gooooo…
Writing:
Save Little Free Libraries From Uncultured Killjoys
Little Free Libraries are basically the best, they promote community and reading, what could be better!? Yet, some folks (for reasons I can’t comprehend) don’t like them. Sarah Skwire brings the smackdown.
Fault In Our Stars Author: Oops, I Didn’t Write That Quote
Whether you love or loathe his books, I think we can all agree that John Green is a pretty swell guy. Here’s his video on the incorrectly attributed quote.
Navigating NPR’s Top 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books
Here’s a handy flowchart from SF Signal helping you find the next speculative fiction book from NPR’s Top 100 list. For whatever reason The Stars Were Right and Old Broken Road aren’t on that list. What gives, NPR?
I’m On Seattle Geekly
Make sure you check out my appearance on Seattle Geekly‘s latest podcast. I had a blast hanging out with Shannon and Matt and I’m honored to be one of their last guests. They’re also giving away copies of Old Broken Road to their Twitter followers. Just tweet #KMAbook before 3PM PST and you’ll be entered to win a copy.
Art:
Audio Landscape
My internet-friend Dan created this awesome music visualizer. Let your music create a beautiful landscape, a volcanic hellscape, or strange seapunk world.
The Photography of Peter Zeglis
I love these simple photos from greek photographer Peter Zeglis. There’s something open and intimate in the way Zeglis captures his subject, be it a majestic mountain, a city, a street corner, or a lava field. Beautiful.
Random:
New Map Shows America’s Quietest Places
Need to get some work done? Now you know where to go.
A Guy Complained No One Had Wished Him Happy Birthday On Twitter And Things Got Weird
The internet is a wonderful and magical place and I love it a lot. Have a happy birthday Daniel Barker, please. [Thanks to Josh for sending this one in.]
46 Rare Historical Photos
I’m intentionally not attaching the stupid link bait title assigned to this post, but this collections of historical photos is real good and shouldn’t be missed. What’s your favorite?
If all U.S. Presidents, at the age they were elected, were told to fight each other to the death, who would win?
These are the sort of questions that demand well though out answers. I am glad there are people working on figuring this out. (You can probably guess the winner.)
[NEW!] Random Wikipedia Article of the Week:
Wherein I got to Wikipedia and hit Random Article until I find something good/weird/offensive/hilarious/interesting/etc. This weeks entry:
List of number-one singles in 1995 (New Zealand)
It’s good to know that TLC’s Waterfalls, Coolio’s Gangster’s Paradise, and Rednex Cotton Eyed Joe had that global reach in 1995. Man, you know, the 90s were pretty damn great.
Lovecraft Story of the Week:
The Diary of Alonzo Typer
“I am conscious of several presences in this house. One in particular is decidedly hostile toward me—a malevolent will which is seeking to break down my own and overcome me. I must not countenance this for an instant, but must use all my forces to resist it. It is appallingly evil, and definitely non-human.”
Gif of the Week:
Filed under: Link Pack Tagged: fantasy, john green, little free libraries, maps, NPR, peter zeglis, robots, Sci-fi, seattle geekly
February 19, 2015
I’m On Seattle Geekly
Last week I was invited by Shannon and Matt over to the Geekly Studios to be on my favorite podcast: Seattle Geekly! The day has arrived, the podcast is up, and you can listen now! Download the episode from iTunes, listen to it on Seattle Geekly’s website, listen over on Stitcher, or just hit play below:
https://kmalexander.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/seattle-geekly-for-thursday-february-19-2015.mp3
I’m honored to be one of the final guests for a great podcast. I had a lot of fun and I hope everyone enjoys it. Huge thank you to Shannon and Matt for having me on. It was nice to relax and geek out for a while. (Also, Matt, I’m still very interested in joining you for that session of Call of Cthulhu.)
Seattle Geekly is giving away a few signed copies of Old Broken Road along with the launch of today’s episode. To win all you need to do is tweet with the hashtag #KMAbook before 3PM tomorrow (02/20/15). There’s still plenty of chances to win. Good luck!
Filed under: News Tagged: Giveaway, Interview, lovecraft, Old Broken Road, Podcast, Red Litten World, seattle geekly, the bell forging cycle, The Stars Were Right
February 17, 2015
The Stars Were Right 99¢ eBook Sale Extended
February has been a great month for me and for The Stars Were Right: hundreds of new readers, really positive press, and some great emails from readers. There’s plenty of reason to celebrate.
Last Sunday, while I was being interviewed for this weeks episode of Seattle Geekly, I mentioned the 99¢ sale and then immediately realized that it would air after the sale ended. Oh no! Thankfully, one of the benefits of being in control of my own marketplace is being able to extend sales at a whim. So, in celebration of the upcoming episode of Seattle Geekly, the month of February, and so many new folks reading The Bell Forging Cycle, I’m extending the 99¢ ebook sale through the end of the month! Tell your friends and nab a copy for yourself from any of these ebook platforms:
Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • GooglePlay • DRM Free ePub
Sale ends February 28 (for reals this time,) then The Stars Were Right will returns to it’s regular price of $2.99.
Filed under: Shop, The Stars Were Right Tagged: 99¢, eBook, sale, seattle geekly, the bell forging cycle
February 13, 2015
Friday Link Pack 02/13/15
Dun dun dunnnnn… it’s Friday the 13th. While you’re avoiding mirrors, ladders, and black cats why not spend a few moments and browse a few links I’ve found over the last several days. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! Have a link I should feature in the upcoming link pack? Click here to email me and let me know! All right, let’s get to it…
Writing:
When To Stop Polishing A Manuscript
Hemingway was trolling you.
In Defense Of Editing
Sarah Hoyt discusses the importance of editing. Thinking of going indie? Hire an editor. Think an editor is too expensive? Hire an editor. Your work deserves it.
“Sponsored” By My Husband: Why It’s A Problem That Writers Never Talk About Where Their Money Comes From
It’s a few weeks old now, but I found this article from Ann Bauer poignant. Many creatives often hide the fact they are supported by someone or have been given a leg up. That dishonesty doesn’t help the other artists who might not be so advantaged and struggle to maintain lifestyles that are unreachable.
How Well Should Your Characters Know Themselves?
We don’t always see our own blemishes. Should the characters we create be any different? Some great thoughts from Victoria Grefer.
Art:
Inflorescence
The latest series from my wife, oil painter Kari-Lise Alexander. I highly recommend checking this out and seeing her latest work. It’s quiet, serene, and beautiful. I couldn’t be prouder. Show opens tomorrow at Distinction Gallery in Escondido, California. Stop by if you’re in the San Diego area!
Unsettling Ceramic Sculptures By Ronit Baranga
Life-like lips and fingers emerge from beautiful porcelain. Disturbing? Yes. Yet incredibly engaging. [Thanks to Kirk for sharing this.]
Detailed Close Ups Star Wars Spaceships
I considered throwing this in Random, but the artistry involved in these original models cannot be denied. It’s beautiful and detailed work.
Random:
The 10 Scariest Monsters From Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos
Den of Geek attempts to answer the question: which of the elder gods was the most terrifying? Not sure I agree with the outcome but it’s an interesting list and it features some obscure monsters. (Okay, it’s killing me! You had one job! ONE JOB! YIG!? Come on! The right answer was Nyarlathotep!)
Someone Flew A Drone Through Chernobyl And The Result Is Haunting
This short film from British filmmaker Danny Cooke blew me away. I had seen images of Chernobyl before, but moving through the landscape opens it up even further. There’s something so melancholy about the slow flyovers of Pripyat that I kept thinking about this video for days.
Scientists Plan To Resurrect The Woolly Mammoth, Jurassic Park-Style
Upside: as far as we know mammoths ate plants are are relatives to elephants. Downside: as far as we know… this is Friday the 13th after all.
[NEW!] Random Wikipedia Article of the Week:
Wherein I got to Wikipedia and hit Random Article until I find something good/weird/offensive/hilarious/interesting/etc. This weeks entry:
Fart Proudly, A Letter To A Royal Academy
“A Letter To A Royal Academy” was composed by Benjamin Franklin in response to a call for scientific papers from the Royal Academy of Brussels. Franklin believed that the various academic societies in Europe were increasingly pretentious and concerned with the impractical. Revealing his “bawdy, scurrilous side,” Franklin responded with an essay suggesting that research and practical reasoning be undertaken into methods of improving the odor of human flatulence.
Well… there you go.
Lovecraft Story of the Week:
Discarded Draft Of The Shadow over Innsmouth
I featured The Shadow over Innsmouth in the 10/11/13 Link Pack but since it’s Kari-Lise’s favorite Lovecraft story and her show opens this week I figured I’d feature it again. But! Instead of the original, why not read through the discarded draft. Dun dun dunnnnnn…!
Gif of the Week:
Filed under: Link Pack Tagged: benjamin franklin, ceramic, Characters, chernobyl, editing, inflorescence, kari-lise alexander, lovecraft, mammoth, Nyarlathotep, sculpture, star wars, writing
February 11, 2015
Inflorescence
I’m so excited to finally share Kari-Lise’s latest series, Inflorescence with all of you. It has been a labor of love. I’ve watched her working in her studio for months, creating what I feel is her best series yet.
If you follow me on Twitter you know she’s been getting a ton of positive press. Her work has been featured on the Beautiful Bizzare blog, Hi-Fructose’s blog, and even on my favorite Tumblr blog: This Isn’t Happiness.
Last week I posted Scott Wilson’s documentary about her, Overlooked Details, An Artist’s Journey. It gives you a small glimpse into how much time and effort she pours into each of these pieces. Her hard work really shows. I’m so proud of what she has accomplished and I’m excited these are finally out in the wild and available for all to see!
Inflorescence officially opens on Feburary 14th at Distinction Gallery in Escondido, California. We’ll both be there so if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello. I’ve posted some of my favorite pieces below, but I highly recommend checking out the full series over at Distinction’s website.
Kari-Lise Alexander — “Inflorescence” 2014, Oil on Panel
Kari-Lise Alexander — “Fauna Flora” 2014, Oil on Panel
Kari-Lise Alexander — “Shallow” 2014, Oil on Panel
See The Rest Of The Show Here →
Filed under: Art, Kari-Lise Alexander Tagged: distinction gallery, inflorescence, oil painting, painting, Pop Surrealism, show
February 9, 2015
I’m Going To Be On Seattle Geekly
Yesterday I had the honor to be interviewed by Shannon and Matt of Seattle Geekly, our local geek-centric podcast. We talked about my books, mythos fiction, Lovecraft, and a lot more. I had a blast and I’m super grateful for the opportunity, they’re both excellent people.
The episode airs next Thursday, February 19th so mark your calendars. They’re also going to be giving away a couple signed copies of Old Broken Road to their twitter followers, so make sure you’re following them so you can have a chance to win.
You can subscribe to Seattle Geekly via iTunes, RSS, or through Stitcher. You can also listen via their website: seattlegeekly.net. I’ll also be posting the episode here as well so stick around.
Filed under: News Tagged: Interview, lovecraft, Old Broken Road, Podcast, seattle geekly, writing
